The Southern Texas PGA (STPGA) is delighted to announce that Derek Hooper, the PGA Director of Instruction at Royal Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas, has been awarded the high honor of the 2025 Southern Texas PGA Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year.
This prestigious recognition, named after the legendary golf professional and instructor Harvey Penick, honors an individual who embodies overall excellence, dedication, and significant impact in golf instruction.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year award is one of the most significant accolades a golf instructor can receive in the Southern Texas Section. Penick, renowned for his timeless wisdom and simple, yet effective teaching methods, as detailed in Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book, set the standard for instruction. Hooper’s recognition signifies that his commitment to his students, innovative teaching philosophy, and contributions to the profession embody the spirit and legacy of Penick.
Hooper, an Australian native, has served as the PGA Director of Instruction at Royal Oaks Country Club since 2016. During his tenure, he has cultivated a dynamic and effective instruction program. He leads a dedicated team of three full-time coaches who provide valuable structure and programs to a highly engaged and busy membership. Under his guidance, the instruction team has fostered a vibrant culture of growth that benefits players across all skill levels, from aspiring juniors to competitive amateurs.
A Student-Centric Philosophy
At the core of Hooper’s success is his deeply student-centric approach to coaching. His philosophy is predicated on understanding the individual player thoroughly before attempting to prescribe a solution. This commitment is best exemplified by his innovative on-course New Student Assessment. This initial evaluation goes beyond the driving range, meticulously examining every facet of a player’s game in a real-world setting—on the course.
The assessment’s results are used to design a truly personalized roadmap for improvement. This holistic and customized process is key to his sustained success and has led to the establishment of long-term coaching relationships. Hooper believes that instruction is a journey, not a quick fix, and this belief translates into demonstrable, lasting results for his students. The culture of growth at Royal Oaks is a direct reflection of this thoughtful, individualized instruction.
Dedication Beyond the Facility
While maintaining an extremely active coaching schedule at Royal Oaks, Hooper has also generously committed his expertise and time to the broader PGA of America community. Recognizing the importance of elevating the profession as a whole, he actively contributes to the continued growth in education and coaching platforms for fellow instructors.
His involvement spans multiple areas, including contributing to PGA.Coach resources, leading Coaching and Teaching Seminars, and mentoring colleagues within the Southern Texas Section. Hooper’s desire isn’t solely to help his own students excel but also to empower fellow PGA Members to be the most effective and informed teachers they can be. This commitment to mentorship and professional development underscores his leadership qualities and his passion for the game’s future.
For Derek Hooper, the true essence of teaching lies in connection—connecting with the student, connecting the skill to the course, and connecting with his peers.
The STPGA is confident that Harvey Penick would take immense pride in having Derek Hooper recognized with the title of Teacher of the Year. His dedication to excellence, innovative methodology, and commitment to the profession make him a truly deserving recipient.
Congratulations to Derek Hooper on this outstanding and significant achievement! 🎉
